I Wasn't Giving Up This Time!
In order to qualify for a medical procedure to improve her health, Ken20 made losing weight her priority. She lost 96 lbs by changing her eating habits and integrating many different types of exercise into her life.
She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?
I decided to lose weight this time because I had been having back problems, due to being very top heavy. I consulted a Plastic Surgeon who advised me that the insurance company would not cover breast reductions on overweight individuals. I knew then, for my health that I needed to lose weight.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I have tried things in the past like diet supplements. I also tried to reduce sweets and foods that were unhealthy, but I was never successful. Furthermore, I tried working out in gyms, but soon got bored with that routine.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
I decided that I needed to make a "lifestyle change" and not just "diet". I cut out all beef and pork, but still allowed myself to eat things I enjoyed. I started counting calories and added exercise every day. I tried everything, from walking, riding, elliptical, running, aerobics, Wii Fit, etc. This way I would not get bored and quit. I wasn't giving up this time.
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
Calorie Count helped by allowing me to log what I ate each day and to keep track of how many calories I was consuming. It also helped me learn what good food choices were.
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
The most challenging thing was going to family events and seeing everyone pig out. I really had to have the will power to say no, even sometimes bringing my own food so that I knew I would not give in.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
In as little as four months, I had lost 40lbs, which was before I had my breast reduction. After the surgery, I vowed that I wasn't going to stop here. Beside after having it, it makes your belly stick out more, so I knew I had to do something about that! I just kept at it and eventually lost 96lbs. My goal is to reach 100lbs.
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
I realized I was a success because I have motivated so many people and didn't even know it. My friend called me one day and said her sister in law was talking about losing weight and had a picture of some girl who lost a lot of weight as her screen saver for motivation. My friend asked her to send her the pictures and true enough, the picture was of me! A complete stranger... WOW! She had gotten my before and after picture from my cousin who works with her and was just sharing my success story. That made me feel really good to know that I motivated and inspired her.
8. How do you prevent relapse?
I prevent relapse by viewing it a "lifestyle change" and not just a "temporary" change.
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
My life has changed a lot! Now that I have lost weight, I have more energy to play with my three year old, I feel better about myself, and I not only think I can succeed anymore, I know I did.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Don't ever give up.
- Remember it's all about portion control.
- It's okay to have cheat days, as long as you can get back on track.
- Believe in yourself.
- Set small goals.
If you would like us to feature your success story, you can submit it here. The most insightful stories will be featured on this blog and in the weekly "Success Stories" newsletter.
Comments
Thank you so much! I made my life style change a little over a 18 months ago, and while I have only lost 54 pounds, not giving up was the hardest thing to do, thank you be blessed in all you do
You look fantastic, way to go! and lsunday, 54 lbs is nothing to sneeze at! Just keep at it!
wow! you look so amazing! congratulations on your hard work! :)
How awesome for you! (: You look fantastic and I bet you feel as good on the inside!!
Wow, I don't usually comment theste but you LOOK AMAZING! Congratulations. 
You look absolutely amazing! I am so proud of you, and you certainly are an inspiration. I hope to one day look as great as you do!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
You are amazing. You look so beautiful. You look like a whole different person and I am sure you feel like it too. Keep up the amazing work, you should be so proud of yourself. A true inspiration to others!!!
Congradulations! You look great and your health is improved too. You've inspired me to keep trying, probably many others also.
What a fantastic story! You are so right about viewing it as a lifestyle change and not a diet. You look fabulous!
Wooow..you look absolutely GREAT! My goal is to lose 100 pounds also and so far I've lost 18. I'm determined not to quit and I've made up my mind that this time will be it. I am soooo happy for you. Wow. You are really my motivation as well. May God continue to bless you on you endeavor.
wow! wow! and wow ken! i am so inspired by your story and it looks like you're a different person now. Keep it up! I salute you :D I need to lose 32 more pounds and I also have a hard time but with your testimony i know i can do it too :D
congratulations! you look amazing
im very inspired by your story :)
i wont give up this time 
You deserve to be proud of yourself! Truly an amazing and inspiring story of a life-change! Way to go.
You are SO beautiful - and an inspiration to anyone who reads this post. Fantastic job!!!
What a fantastic story. The hardest part is staying with it when those around you are pigging out. It's so easy to join in what others are doing. Good for you. You are a beautiful woman!!
It's great to see you lose so much weight naturally, I know what a slow process and struggle it can be. I have an odd question though- how much weight was removed from the breast reduction surgery??? That must have been difficult as well, so kudos on both, you look like a whole new person! :)
Congratulations...all I can say is wow!!!....I like how you said lifestyle change. I too lost 97 lbs and during that time I never used the word diet but lifestyle change and before I knew it I was here. Stay strong and focused...you just showed yourself you can achieve anything.
wow. i am really truly inspired by you. i am only 20 and have been trying to lose weight for at least 4 years. my sister got gastric bypass and lost alot of weight but i was too scared to go the same road. i feel like this time i am ready to change my life not only for my health for also for my self-esteem. i am happy you shared your story because now i feel like i can do it too!
-BRI
Thank you all for the extra motivation. Its good to know that there are so many other people who have been down that same road as you. It is so true a lifestyle change and its such a good feeling to meet whatever your goal is rather big or small, any weight loss is an accomplishment. I'm Wishing everyone the BEST OF LUCK!!!!
Do you have any idea how beautiful you are? What a fantastic accomplishment!!
WOW there are no words beyond that
I have lost 15kg's and just stuffed up on my diet and gained another 2 kgs. Three weeks of bad eating.
Reading your story has inspired me to hop back on the wagon
Thank you :D
you must be so proud of yourself
You look fantastic! What an inspiration you are. My goal is to lose 40lbs, I hope i have the drive you so clearly have!
That is amazing! Great job. That is a very inspiring story. Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to share mine!!!
You look amazing!! And more importantly you're beautiful on the inside. I can see the light shine right through you!
Love the inspiration story. You've proved that it CAN be done and that excuses are just that..excuses.
Go girl!
Those two pictures say more than words ever could... What an amazing achievement! You should be SO proud of yourself!
I agree with most other persons here, you look like an entirely different person, and I hope that you FEEL brand new, that you realize what a great thing you did For Yourself! (and your child!)
And I love your motto "Never Give Up" because it's soooo easy to say "Oh it's cold outside... I dont really want to go run... Oh I'm so busy... I could never fit exercise into my busy schedule..."
Wow... You are truly a great example, that we CAN achieve our dreams, no matter what they are, if we Don't Give Up
i would bet you feel as amazing as you look! congratulations! you are an inspiration to us all.
Congrats on your sucess!! I just have a question, how long did it take you to loose the whole 96?
Wow.
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G transformation!
I've been at maintenance for almost 6 months and your story inspired me to keep at it, finding new ways to challenge myself with exercise and new recipes.
What a great role model for your 3 year old!
I got extra excited when I read your story...it is so relatable to mine. I've tried and tried but I'm to a point that either I do it or not (I only have 50 to lose). Thank you for sharing your story, my God bless you for inspiring others to do the same.
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How inspiring you are! I just started this journey.... again... Like you and so many others, I have tried every pill, piece of miracle equipment and diet out there.. My recent failure was the HCG diet, where you give yourself injections of the pregnancy hormone and only consume 500 calories a day. Lost 25 pounds then your supposed to go off it for 3 weeks and then back on.. I never went back on. It was WAY too restricting. I had to carry little ziploc bags with 3.5 ounces of steamed chicken and broccoli with me everywhere because that was all you could eat twice a day. It was aweful. So I started this 2 weeks ago and so far have lost 4.2 pounds.. It's going to take a very long time for me to reach my goal but at least this is someting I can live with. The thing that hit me the most with your story was the watching your family pig out. That's definately the hardest thing for me too!